At what distance does this feature become vital? Thanks in advance, D.
First Focal Plane Scope?
- Thread starter Shubey
- Start date
When holding wind
At any distance
To not have to be on full power when not needed
At any distance
To not have to be on full power when not needed
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- May 23, 2017
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- City & State/Province
- Bradford County, Pennsylvania
I wouldn't say it's related to distance... It's all about scale of reticle vs target. SFP scopes are only scaled accurately at one specific magnification (usually max power). So if you are trying to use the reticle for holdovers in a SFP scope it likely will need to be maxed out.
FFP reticle sub tensions are as advertised no matter the zoom level, so can still be used at lower magnification.
That's really all it comes down to.
If you dial your elevation (and/or windage) then it really doesn't matter which focal plane you have. (Although wind hold-offs may be easier with FFP because of not mattering what zoom level you are on).
Looks like Barbour Creek beat me to it
FFP reticle sub tensions are as advertised no matter the zoom level, so can still be used at lower magnification.
That's really all it comes down to.
If you dial your elevation (and/or windage) then it really doesn't matter which focal plane you have. (Although wind hold-offs may be easier with FFP because of not mattering what zoom level you are on).
Looks like Barbour Creek beat me to it
It's more a matter of personal preference and intended purpose. Depending on the reticle design and whether it is illuminated, the non-illuminated/fine reticle is more critical at close distances at the lowest magnification for me. Of course, you already know the primary advantage of FFP.
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Most of the folks on the eastern side of the Mississippi River DON'T need FFP since a large percentage of shots on game are never more than two to three hundred yards. So, the benefits of FFP as pointed out in previous comments are never realized. Now, go on the the west side of Big Muddy and all that changes….distance coupled with wind begs the need for FFP. Note: this comment is intended for hunting only. Long Range shooting as in target is a different story.
Viking142
Active Member
SFP is an accident looking for a place to happen.
Only in the wrong conditions or use. Can you please explain your comment?
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Probably by people who don't know how SFP or FFP works, and trying to hold over or off.
I have gotten calls from buddies in the field who use SFP scopes saying "I just missed a huge buck (or bull), shot over his back (or under)."
Not all SFP subtentions are accurate are at max. A lot are at half...which they didn't know.
Exactly! "Wrong use".
FACT!
Viking142
Active Member
Real situation. Out elk hunting we put a stalk on a herd. When we got to the spot we planned to shoot from the elk were 300 yards away. We had bad wind and the elk started to get up and get ready to take off so time became short. My partner cranked up the power util he could see to take a shot. Using his BDC reticle, he held his 300 yard hold
Laelkhunter
Well-Known Member
And.... what happened?? Dead elk or scared and running away elk?
Viking142
Active Member
Not sure what happened there but to continue. He fires the shot. The bull stumbles, but quickly, gets in the timber with the cows. We start tracking and find the bull bedded in the timber a short distance away and finish it off. While butchering the elk, we find it was hit in the backstraps. Fortunately some bullet fragments punctured into the chest cavity under the spine which is why it likely bedded down so soon. My partner is stumped at the poor first shot until he looks at his scope and sees that it was at a mid range power which threw off his Bdc reticle. This was very close to a disaster due to SFP scope. My partner is well aware of how his scope works, but in the heat of the moment was not thinking about it.
623yds
